Paddle into the beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord on a stand up paddleboard and experience 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery. Those who wish to discover the untouched Icelandic nature while literally standing on water, surrounded by stretches of mountains, should not miss this tour.
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a sport that originated in Hawaii as a by-product of surfing. It has now made its way from that little volcanic island to this one. By using a paddle, you will propel yourself through the water while maintaining an upright stance. SUP is both a safe and fun activity which will provide you with an opportunity to see the Icelandic nature from a different viewpoint.
On this tour, you will be picked up in the morning and driven to one of the longest fjords in Iceland, Hvalfjörður, famous for its war and whaling history. This tranquil fjord makes for an excellent SUP location as it is exceptionally quiet and peaceful. All that along with the raw, alien Icelandic nature, takes this stand up paddle boarding experience to another level.
Depending on your preference, you will be suited with either a drysuit or a wetsuit. Your professional guides will then teach you everything you need to know about stand up paddleboards. Don't worry if you have no experience; this tour will be tailored to your background and level of fitness.
After gearing up and learning how to use the equipment, there is nothing left but to make your way out to the water and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you paddle out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you stand on your board, surrounded by nothing but the pristine Icelandic nature.
Book now for an amazing experience in the wild nature on this stand up paddleboard tour. Check availability by choosing a date.
Quick facts
Tour information:
Available: Jan. - Oct.
Duration:
7 hours
Activities:
Sightseeing, Cultural Activity
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
16 years.
Languages:
English
Highlights:
Hvalfjörður is a fjord in southwest Iceland. The fjord is approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) long and five (three miles) kilometres wide.
Nature and Landscape
The landscape of Hvalfjörður is varied and beautiful, with wide areas of flat land along majestic mountains, green vegetation in summer and beaches cut with creeks.
The area is rich in bird life and is home to seals, but despite its name, which translates to ‘Whale Fjord,’ it is not known for its whale or dolphin populations. Two theories exist on how it got its name; either that it was once home to whales before fish stocks moved away, or because of the general shape of the bay.
The area has recently been part of Iceland’s successful reforestation effort.
Natural attractions in the area are plentiful but most significant is Iceland's highest waterfall, Glymur, in the river Botnsá. There are also plenty of interesting hiking trails in the area, such as Síldarmannagotur, leading north, and Leggjabrjótur, leading east towards the area of Þingvellir National Park.
History and Culture
Historically, Hvalfjörður was home to one of the main whaling stations in Iceland, with ships heading out into Faxaflói Bay. It was one of the most important naval stations in the North Atlantic during World War Two, when Iceland was occupied by the Allies after the Nazis conquered Denmark.
The old whaling station and a war museum can be found in the fjord.
Iceland's main psalm poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson, writer of the ‘Passia Hymns,' lived in Hvalfjörður. The area was also the home of the late Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson, poet and performer and head of the Icelandic Pagan Association.
Economy
Most inhabitants of the fjord live in rural areas, and there is some farming in the area. Until the 1990s those travelling between Borgarnes and Reykjavík had to take a long detour around the fjord, but this was solved with a tunnel that travels beneath it, finished in 1998.
Grundartangi promontory in Hvalfjörður has one of the largest harbours in the country and two industrial plants. One is a ferrosilicon plant, operated since 1979, the other an aluminium smelter, operated since 1998.
Both of these were controversial during their construction, and continue to be controversial during their ongoing operation. Along with whaling and hydroelectric dams, smelters and silicone plants are the hottest environmental debates going on in Iceland.
Please be at your pickup location in time for your departure. Should your pickup location be at a bus stop and you need assistance finding it, seek guidance in your Hotel's reception or contact your tour provider directly.
Included:
Reykjavík pickup and drop off
Professional SUP guide
SUP Introduction & training
Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP board and paddles
Wetsuit or drysuit, depending on preference
Shoes and gloves
All safety gear required
Meals and refreshments
What to bring:
Warm clothes to wear prior and after the tour
Swimwear if you choose to wear a wetsuit
Make sure that any electronic or valued items you bring with you are waterproof and/or in a waterproof case
Lunch and/or snacks
Towel
Good to know:
A lot of the prepping, along with briefing, for this tour takes place outside, please dress accordingly.
In order to participate you need to:
Be comfortable in water and be able to swim.
Be physically fit.
Be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit.
Be at minimum 145cm (4’9) tall / maximum 200cm (6’7) tall.
Be at minimum 45kg (99 lbs) / maximum 120kg (264 lbs).
Be minimum 16 years of age.
Not be pregnant.
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